Electromagnetic timing device

ABSTRACT

A magnetic levitation timing device for levitating a marker or suspending the marker away from the device has a housing having an outer portion and a lower portion. An electromagnetic force driving configuration can move or rotate the marker at a constant or variable speed on, about or around the outer portion of the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/424,932, filed Dec. 1, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/457,667, filed on Feb. 10, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to a timing device that has a magnetic levitation mechanism, and more particularly to clocks and visual aids for use in time management, goal management, and scheduling.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic levitation devices selectively oscillate or modulate a levitating force to float or levitate a displayed object or to animate an object and have been available for many years. Manipulating magnetic fields and controlling their forces to levitate an object is disclosed in many references. Such references include mechanisms for magnetically levitating an object, as well as controlling the spatial position of such a magnetically levitated object. Magnetic levitation devices typically use a horizontal support stand to provide an overhead electromagnet, and an object with a permanent magnet or at least a ferrous object embedded within it or on an outer surface is then positioned under the electromagnet. Some of the references of magnetic levitation systems are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,595,041, 6,035,703, 5,980,193, 5,319,670, 5,168,183, 4,585,282, and 4,191,951, all of which are incorporated by reference.

A magnetically levitated object can be suspended above a base by magnetic fields. An electromagnetic force is used to counteract the effects of gravitation. The forces acting on an object in any combination of gravitational, electrostatic, and magnetostatic fields will make the object's position unstable. The reason a permanent magnet suspended above another magnet is unstable is because the levitated magnet will easily overturn and the force will become attractive.

Magnetic levitation techniques have been used in the railways, mechanical equipment, floating globes, etc. Magnetic levitation technology has been incorporated into the designs of intelligent home appliances, such as a table lamp. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,340 and 5,159,583 disclose clocks employing magnetically levitated mechanism.

Accordingly, there is always a need for improved timing devices and other novelty devices. There is also a need for an interactive timing device that can provide, among other things, time management, scheduled events reminders, goal management, and scheduling assistance. It is to these needs, among others, that this application is directed.

SUMMARY

This application provides an interactive magnetic levitation timing device for, among other things, managing time, goal management, scheduling at least an event and remembering the scheduled events. The timing device visually reveals the time or period during which a predetermined event is scheduled to occur.

One embodiment includes a magnetic levitation timing device for levitating a marker or suspending the marker away from the device having a housing, an electromagnetic force driving configuration, wherein an electromagnetic force produced in the electromagnetic force driving configuration can move or rotate the marker at a constant or variable speed on, about or around the outer portion of the housing; a rotating disc configured with the electromagnetic configuration; and a gear assembly configured to move or rotate the electromagnetic configuration. The magnetic levitation timing device can have a timing mechanism, an electromagnetic force driving configuration, indicia (that may be on the housing of the device) and a marker on or above the housing. The outer portion of the housing can include indicia and can display information, e.g., about the timing elements. The housing may be configured to secure the device on a horizontal or non-horizontal surface (e.g., an angle greater than 10 degrees).

In another embodiment, the electromagnetic force from the magnet levitates or suspends the marker so that it may move or rotate at a constant or variable speed about or around the surface of the device. The marker may be a magnetic material or a permanent magnet. The marker may have various shapes including, e.g., a floating ball, cube, or other shape.

In another embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device includes an interactive display. The device is further provided with indicia, including, but not limited to, goal marker or event indicia. The indicia can be removable or affixed to the upper surface or can be rearranged depending on the need of the user. The indicia may be disposed in relation to the marker such that the marker signals during the scheduled time that the particular event is to occur.

In another embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device comprises a housing that has an electromagnetic force driving configuration and a marker. The outer portion of the housing can have grooves or marks representing the indicia. The lower portion of the housing can be configured to secure the device to a mounting surface. Inside the housing, there can be a rotating disc configured with a rotating assembly and the electromagnetic force driving configuration. The electromagnetic driving force configuration may include a magnet and coil array into a mounting plate assembled with the rotating disc. The marker is placed above the outer portion of the housing or over the rotating disc. The rotating assembly rotates the rotating disc and an electromagnetic force from the magnet levitates or suspends the marker, which may move or rotate at a constant or variable speed about or around the outer portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the rotating assembly includes a motor with gear mounted on a gear arranged on the rotating disc.

In some embodiment, the marker can move along a linear, rather than circular path on the surface of the magnetic levitation timing device. In some embodiments, the marker may be luminescent. For example, a transmitting coil can transmit power to the marker, which may allow the marker to illuminate. The marker can illuminate around or along the upper surface.

In some embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device is desired to depict events over a nonstandard period of time. In other embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device is desired to depict standard time, including, but not limited to, minutes, hours, second, days, etc.

In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device may include non-magnetic or levitating features. For example, the magnetic levitation timing device may have a digital display or another feature that is not magnetically driven.

The application includes the use of an electromagnetic theory of the permanent magnet that moves a metallic object around or about the surface.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of one specific embodiment of a magnetic levitation timing device;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a magnetic levitation timing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view depicting inside of a magnetic levitation timing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B shows an isometric side view depicting inside of a magnetic levitation timing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an inside top view of a magnetic levitation timing device in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation timing device in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a magnetic levitation timing device in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

FIG. 10A is a top view of exemplary displays that may be using in connection with one or more of embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a top view of exemplary displays that may be using in connection with one or more of embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation timing device in accordance with another embodiment; and

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device on a vertical surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments include a magnetic levitation or an electromagnetic timing device that includes a timing mechanism, a magnetic marker operatively connected to the timing mechanism, and indicia (e.g., a goal marker). As used herein, the term “levitated” or “levitation” includes an object held aloft or suspended away from (e.g., horizontal) a device, without mechanical support, in a stable position. That is, the magnetic levitation or the electromagnetic timing device can be mounted on surfaces that may not be horizontal and the device can operate accordingly such that the marker is suspended away from the device.

Now referring to FIG. 1, one exemplary embodiment includes an electromagnetic timing device for levitating or holding/suspending a marker having a housing that has an outer portion and a lower portion, a magnetic levitation or electromagnetic configuration, a rotating disc that is configured with the electromagnetic configuration; and a gear assembly that is configured to move the magnetic levitation configuration. One specific example includes magnetic levitation timing device 10 that includes electromagnetic force driving or magnetic levitation configuration 55, a rotating disc 50, indicia 33 (optional) and a magnetic marker 20. The outer portion of the housing 30 may have a display 35 e.g., in the center, and the lower portion 40 of the housing may be configured to secure the device 10 on a mounting surface e.g., wall. The rotating disc 50 is configured with a motor 60, gears 70, motor housing 80 and the electromagnetic force driving configuration 55 that is operatively mounted through mounting groove 12 on the rotating disc 50. The magnetic marker 20 can be a ball or other shape placed over the outer portion of the housing or operatively connected to a timing mechanism/electromagnetic configuration. The marker 20 can be levitated, suspended or held away from device 10 by the electromagnetic driving force from the electromagnet 52. In one embodiment, the marker 20 is generally a metal or magnetic material.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic driving force configuration 55 may include a magnet 52 and coil array 53. In this embodiment, the motor 60 with the gear 70 is configured to drive the rotating disc 50, which holds the electromagnetic driving force configuration 55 that magnetically levitates or holds away the marker 20 on the outer portion of the housing. Components involved in mechanically driving the rotating disc 50 further includes a gear 85 that snap fits into the motor 60 with gear 70. The magnet 52 can be a permanent magnet or at least ferrous object mounted within a mounting plate 51. The magnet 52 is integrated with the coil array 53 formed by electromagnetic coils or coil windings or copper windings. One or more stepper motors or servo motors can provide overall period of movement and thus the movement of the marker 20. A feedback loop may include one or more position sensors (such as a Hall Effect sensor), which compensates for gravity and rotational forces.

In one specific embodiment, the electromagnetic force driving configuration 55 includes the marker 20 and the coil array 50 mounted within the mounting plate 40 and operatively attached to the rotating disc 50 through magnetic mounting groove 12. In another embodiment, the coil array 53 is copper sleeve wound on the magnet 52 to form an electromagnet. A feedback loop may include one or more position sensors 54 (such as a Hall Effect sensor), which compensates for gravity and rotational forces, e.g., on the marker 20.

In another embodiment, the rotating disc 50 includes the motor 60 with gear 70 and the motor housing which are securely attached to form a drive mechanism. The outer portion of the housing 30, the rotating disc 50 and the back portion 40 can be assembled into a compact design that looks like a clock, which can be mounted or placed at an angle greater than for example 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees or at an angle between 1 and 90 degrees. The marker 20 may freely move through the magnetic levitation principle. The movement is realized through electromagnetic force generated from the electromagnetic force driving configuration 55 in conjunction with the mechanical transmission by a motor or multiple motors. The motor 60 is configured to drive the rotating disc 50 and the electromagnetic force levitates the marker 20 on upper side in, e.g., circular movements.

The magnetic levitation timing device 10 may include an interactive display 35 and other operative mechanism such as on/off function (not shown). Further, in one example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 provides a visual aid for users to help with understanding the concept of time, the concept of passage of time, remembering scheduled events, or the concept of future timelines. The magnetic levitation timing device 10 may visually demonstrate the time during which at least one predetermined event is scheduled to occur. The magnetic levitation timing device can levitate or be held away the marker 20 when mounted at, e.g., 90 degrees, as it can be hung on a vertical surface (e.g., a wall).

In one embodiment, the marker 20 is disposed in relation to indicia 31 such that the indicia 31 signals at a scheduled time corresponding to a particular event. In one example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is provided with numerous event indicia 31 that are removable or affixed to the outer portion 30 or can be rearranged depending the need of the user. The marker 20 can be disposed in relation to indicia 31 such that indicia 31 provides a signal during the time the event is scheduled to occur or is desired to ultimately occur. Indicia 31 can visually symbolize (through pictures, words, or otherwise) a past, scheduled, or future event. Depending on the length of a scheduled event, a group of markers can represent a single event. Among other things, the shape of the magnetic levitation timing device 10, orientation and nature of the markers, method of signaling by the indicia, and type and speed of the timing mechanism employed are all variable for use with certain specific embodiments. As a metaphor, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can tell a “story.”

FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B show examples of the magnetic levitation timing device 10, including the basics of an exemplary device. As can be seen, the magnetic marker 20 levitates, is suspended, or floats along, above or about the outer portion 30 of the device 10. As can be seen in the examples, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can have an electromagnet 52 and permanent magnets. In one example, the magnetic marker 20 can have or can be a permanent magnet. The housing 30 in this example can be mounted over the electromagnetic configuration 55. As there is a feedback loop, one or more position sensors 54 (such as a Hall Effect sensor) can be included with the electromagnetic configuration.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show another example of the magnetic levitation timing device 10 showing a specific embodiment in which a magnet operatively linked to the marker 20 has a counterweight 57 opposite to or away from it. While the counterweight 57 is shown across from the electromagnetic configuration 55, it is feasible to place counterweight 57 at various places on the disc 40. There can be planetary gear in one example. Further, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can have supporting and strengthening features 45 over on the disc 40, which is powered by motor 100. FIG. 5 shows that the electromagnetic configuration can rest on support 45 and is powered by a motor (not shown). In this example, there may also be an optional wire groove to hold the wire that may power the motor that drives the gear assembly. Techniques to maintain the position of the wire and to keep the wires from twisting are known in the art.

While the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can have traditional levitation systems and features, FIG. 5 show a specific embodiment in which the magnetic configuration 55 operatively linked to the marker 20 has a counterweight 57 opposite to or away from it. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there can be a counterweight 57 (opposite the levitation marker 20 or levitation object) which stabilizes the rotation of the levitation system and allows a “smoother” rotation of the levitation unit at, e.g., 90 degrees. The counterweight 57 can be adapted to move in opposition to the marker 20 to cancel the accelerating forces in the vertical position. In other embodiments, there may be more than one counterweight 57 placed at positions other than opposite the electromagnetic configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment show in FIG. 5. There can be two sets of gears 61, 62, which are powered by one or more motors 100. The use of multiple motor may result in smoother motion of the disc 40.

In one embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can incorporate a magnetic field (or levitation forces) provided by the magnet 52 oscillated at one or more frequencies. These oscillation or drive frequencies are typically selected to correspond to frequencies of one or more driven or vibrated elements on a supported or magnetically levitated object. The magnetic field or levitating force provided by the electromagnetic force driving configuration 55 and oscillation assembly may be varied using an oscillation signal generator or oscillation driver such as a sinusoidal signal generator feeding an oscillation signal to the levitation driver/actuator controlling the electromagnet or such as an unstable feedback loop for the levitation driver/actuator or via another oscillation means as described herein or as will become apparent based on this description. The electromagnetic configuration can have an oscillation assembly comprising an electromagnet, a levitation driver driving the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a controlled levitating magnetic field. The electromagnetic configuration may be configured with adjustments to compensate for permanent non-equilibrium.

The electromagnetic configuration or assembly can be powered or driven with a control signal that is maintained via a stable feedback loop to provide a suspending magnetic field or levitating force to float or suspend the marker 20 at a fixed distance and position relative to the electromagnet. The feedback loop may include one or more position sensors (such as a Hall Effect sensor) to sense the distance between the levitated marker 20 and either the electromagnet itself or a separate magnet (e.g., a magnet) placed at the bottom or base of the levitated marker 20.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the magnetic levitation device 10 having multiple electromagnetic force driving configurations 55 and corresponding markers 20 (not shown here). In this embodiment, each of the markers 20 has an independent disc and gear arrangement. The markers 20 may move independently from each other. This arrangement may be useful, e.g., to create a clock with an hour marker and a minute marker. There may be additional markers, which may increase the size and cost of the device 10.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the magnetic levitation device 10 having multiple markers 20 on a single disc and gear arrangement. In this arrangement, one of the markers 10 is held in place by an electromagnetic configuration and does not move. Another or other markers 20 (now shown here) can be included using the mechanism described herein and shown (e.g., in FIG. 1).

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the magnetic levitation device 10 having multiple markers 20 on a single disc and gear arrangement. In this arrangement, the markers 20 are held using a single electromagnetic configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can provide tracking of events for a user. For example, a magnetic levitation timing device 10 signals (e.g., on a smart device) the user directly at the time of a scheduled event and visually demonstrates the passage of time during a scheduled event. The magnetic levitation timing device 10 can be interactive in that markers on the bottom of the lower portion of the event clock correspond to changing schedules. In one example, the base of the device may be light up in one or more portions to convey information and events to a user. Further, these light up arrangements may express the information of an event or enhance the mood of the viewers. In FIG. 10A, the display 35 indicates the season of the year; while in FIG. 10B, display 35 indicates a time and date.

In operation, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 works as follows. The timing mechanism moves the marker 20 at a constant or variable speed about or around the face of magnetic levitation timing device 10. A battery or a direct current provides power to the timing mechanism in the “on” position. Optionally, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can be provided with the ON/OFF switch. Further, when pressing the ON switch, a screen may appear on the display 35. The display 35 may show the current time, to see whether the time reaches the pre-set time; to reach the pre-set given time the event is activated and subsequently the marker 20 starts to float.

In another embodiment, the indicia 31 can move along a linear, rather than circular path on the surface of the magnetic levitation timing device 10. In some embodiments, the indicia 31 may be luminescent. For example, the indicia 31 can illuminate around or along the outer portion 30.

In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is desired to depict events over a nonstandard period of time. In other embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device is desired to depict standard time, including, but not limited to, minutes, hours, seconds, days, etc.

In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may include non-magnetic or levitating features. For example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may have a digital display or another feature that is not magnetically driven.

In some embodiments, the device 10 can be at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees from the center. In such an arrangement, the marker 20 is held and moved by the magnetic forces. FIG. 11 shows an example of device 10 where the angle of the device is at about 60 degrees from the horizontal. In this example, device 10 is held up by stand 12, and the marker 20 moves about the housing 30 with indicia 31.

In an exemplary use and application shown in FIG. 12, the magnetic levitation device 10 may be place on a wall W or other type of vertical/non-flat surface. In this arrangement, the device 10 can be operatively connected to a power outlet P by for example a cord 11. The marker 20 is suspended away from the device 10 and may move or rotate.

Further in another embodiment, a control unit includes a microcontroller, power module, touch screen module, time module and Bluetooth® module/Wi-Fi module. The power module, touch screen module, time module, and Bluetooth® module/Wi-Fi module are electrically connected to the microcontroller, where the touch screen module uses a resistive touch screen that supports a variety of configuration controls.

In another embodiment, the base may be illuminated from the back side or from the sides of the housing. In this arrangement, the device 10 can have the appearance of a lunar eclipse.

In some embodiments, the marker may be luminescent through power delivered from the electromagnetic configuration. For example, a transmitting coil can transmit power to the marker, which may allow the marker to illuminate. The marker can illuminate around or along the upper surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, in one embodiment the device 10 is wirelessly connected over a network to a remote device for analysis and feedback. The remote device may include, but is not limited to, a computer, or a tablet or a smart phone. The user may download an application (e.g., program/software) on the remote device. Example of the application may include, timing app or event app (iOS, Windows or Android). The network may comprise any suitable networks or links, including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, an intranet or any wireless communication links. In an embodiment, wireless data links are established as Bluetooth® communication links between the device 10 and the remote device having Bluetooth® capabilities. In some embodiments, the device 10 utilizes Bluetooth® Smart devices or other Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) devices having Bluetooth® transceivers. A Bluetooth® wireless communication link can allow real-time data communications between the device 10 and the remote device. In an embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is operatively connected to a remote device (e.g., iPhone®, iPad®, Android®) and the cloud. In such an arrangement, data can be projected and conveyed to the remote device 10 and further, the device 10 may be synced with an application on the remote device.

The magnetic levitation timing device is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways, without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. In another embodiment, the back of the housing or some of the house may have a light or be backlit.

Certain features of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated as described herein; however, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Additionally, while several functional blocks and relations between them have been described in detail, it is contemplated by those of skill in the art that several of the operations may be performed without the use of the others, or additional functions or relationships between functions may be established and still be in accordance with the claimed subject matter. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic levitation timing device for levitating a marker or suspending the marker away from the device, comprising: a housing having an outer portion and a lower portion, wherein the housing is at an angle greater than 10 degrees from the horizontal; an electromagnetic force driving configuration, wherein an electromagnetic force produced in the electromagnetic force driving configuration can move or rotate the marker at a constant or variable speed on, about or around the outer portion of the housing; a rotating disc configured with the electromagnetic force driving configuration; and a gear assembly configured to move or rotate the electromagnetic force driving configuration.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the marker has a permanent magnet.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the counterweight is about the same weight as the electromagnetic force driving configuration.
 5. The device of claim 1, the electromagnetic force driving configuration has an oscillation assembly comprising an electromagnet, a levitation driver driving the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a controlled levitating magnetic field.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the electromagnet has a coil array.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the electromagnetic force driving configuration has automatic compensation for permanent non-equilibrium in order to suppress average consumption of the coils
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer portion has an interactive display.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising indicia on the outer portion of the housing.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device visually reveals a time for a predetermined event.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower surface is configured to secure the device to a vertical surface such that the marker is held or suspended.
 12. The device of claim 2, wherein the electromagnetic force driving configuration levitates the marker, wherein the marker moves or rotates at a constant or variable speed about or around the housing.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the magnet is a ferromagnetic object or electromagnet.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotating disc is configured with a rotating assembly.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotating assembly includes a motor with a gear mounted on another gear arranged in a motor housing on the rotating disc.
 16. The device of claim 10, wherein the marker is levitated by the electromagnetic driving force from the magnet.
 17. The device of claim 10, further comprising an interactive display.
 18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a Bluetooth link.
 19. The device of claim 10, further comprising a control unit having a microcontroller, power modules, touch screen modules, time modules and Bluetooth module/Wi-Fi module.
 20. The device of claim 10, the marker is disposed in relation to the indicia such that the indicia together with the marker signals the scheduled time that the particular event is to occur.
 21. The device of claim 10, wherein the power module is connected through a wire with a switch having an ON/OFF system.
 22. A method for monitoring events, comprising: providing a device having an electromagnetic configuration, an electromagnetic force produced in the electromagnetic configuration to suspend a marker and move the marker at a constant or variable speed about or around the outer portion of a housing; and engaging the device in order to move the marker about the housing such that the movement of the marker correlates or identifies an event.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the marker is disposed in relation to indicia such that the indicia together with the marker signals the scheduled time that the particular event is to occur.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the movement of the marker is operatively connected to a smart device.
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising displaying time or date on the device.
 27. The method of claim 23, further comprising placing the device at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees from the horizontal.
 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising using a Bluetooth link operatively connected to the device to a smart device. 